Dell XPS 13 Plus has become the first laptop certified for Ubuntu 22.04 LTS

Canonical announced that the Dell XPS 13 Plus Developer Edition is the first laptop to be certified for Ubuntu 22.04 LTS, the current Long-Term Support version of Ubuntu. That means you'll be able to purchase one beginning in August, when Ubuntu will be pre-installed, while existing owners of the XPS 13 Plus model with Windows 11 can download and install Ubuntu 22.04 LTS "and receive the same hardware-optimized experience."

The Ubuntu certification assures that all parts will "function as expected" and that the LTS (long-term support) status means it will be supported for at least ten years, with "Base Package" maintenance and security updates. It also includes different software or drivers from the standard distribution where necessary, which are installed automatically in the best configuration.

Ubuntu 22.04 has a new version of the Gnome 42 Linux desktop environment with triple-buffering and improved power management settings, as well as new workspace layouts, touchpad gestures, and customisation possibilities, including a cross-desktop dark theme.

Dell has been selling Linux-powered XPS 13 laptops for years, starting with its Ubuntu-based "Project Sputnik" laptop aimed at developers, with the most recent version being the 10th generation. The XPS 13 Plus (above), as we said in our hands-on evaluation (included below), is a sleek-looking ultraportable laptop with capacitive touch keys in place of the function row and up to a Intel Core i7-1280P CPU (six performance cores, eight efficient cores). It will go on sale in August for $1,289.